7 Fun Things You Should Do in Beautiful Boulder

Tour the Boulder Beer Company, a pioneer in Colorado’s craft beer culture since 1979. That’s when two University of Colorado professors started brewing their own recipes on a small farm nearby. Now just one of dozens of local microbreweries, Boulder Beer Company continues to share its love for the beverage during tours of its Wilderness Place production facility just a couple miles from downtown.

Explore the culture of far-off Tajikistan in Central Asia while relaxing with a cup of tea at this beloved Boulder attraction that’s part restaurant, part symbol of international friendship and part work of art. Painted and carved by hand by a small army of Tajik craftspeople, the colorful ceiling, tables, stools and ceramic exterior panels were crated and shipped to Boulder and painstakingly reassembled in a lovely park at the edge of Boulder Creek. Sample traditional Persian and Tajik dishes such as kufteh (vegetarian croquettes) or plov (beef and vegetables with rice) while marveling at the building’s ornate designs.

Witness the busy factory floor where some of America’s favorite teas are blended and packed into teabags (millions of them each day!) during a fascinating 45-minute tour that includes an herb garden and the famously fragrant mint room. And if that doesn’t put some pep in your step, Celestial Seasonings concludes the tour with free tea samples that might do the trick.

Hike among Boulder’s iconic Flatirons, the huge, tilted sandstone monoliths that create an unmistakable profile above the city. Dozens of trails begin in the park surrounding Colorado Chautauqua, the century-old cultural and educational retreat made up of historic cottages, an auditorium still used for performances and a dining hall serving delicious comfort food. Look for rock climbers high up among the cliff faces, but be prepared to spend some time searching for a parking space, especially on weekends.

Drive to the top of Flagstaff Mountain, one of Boulder’s scenic attractions, for spectacular views of the valley and the nearby foothills from well-named Panorama Point. A perfect spot for a family picnic, the forested summit is laced with trails leading to breathtaking overlooks and features a nature center that is open on summer weekends.

Stroll down brick-paved Pearl Street, Boulder’s main street and festive community gathering space. Lined with trendy boutiques, vintage stores, art galleries, gift shops and restaurants, Pearl Street is the place to go for a sense of Boulder’s unique vibe. Four blocks are closed to car traffic, and cross streets extend the shopping and dining fun in all directions. With its many benches, flower beds and views of the foothills, Pearl Street raises people watching to an art form, which is not to mention the endlessly amusing street performers.

Savor mouth-watering pizzas made with fresh mozzarella and a dizzying array of locally-produced herbs, vegetables and meats. Located on Boulder’s bustling Pearl Street, Pizzeria Locale raises one of America’s favorite basic take-out foods to a gourmet experience that feels (and tastes) more like fine dining. You can’t go wrong with the Diavola pizza featuring smoked mozzarella, basil, chili and spicy salami. For dessert, try the sweet budino, a type of pudding.